01/11/2014

1) Sherdog.com names UFC Jones v. Gustafsson the Fight of the Year. Great call. Everything that can be expected from an mixed martial arts bout is present there from crisp technique, elite athletics, a champion being tested to his limits, and a previously doubted challenger proving that he can compete with the current pound-for-pound king. I myself was amazed at how well Alexander Gustafsson did, and Jone Jones, as always, proves why he is the best thing for for mixed martial arts today.

2) The Economist explains the popularity of the AK-47. It is a pretty good questing why an aging Soviet assault rifle, introduced just after the close of the Second World War, is still After the death of its famous creator on December 23rd, it’s good to remember why the weapon he created, along with its many derivatives, dominated battlefields over the past half century. Simple and robust, Kalashnikov’s rifle has been and will continue to be a weapon of choice for rebels, freedom fighters and tyrants alike throughout the world.

3) More mission creep from the “War” on Terror. The FBI changes its primary function from “law enforcement” (which is a rather grammatical mission dictated by the rule of law) to “national security” (which is a loose mission enabling the FBI to essentially compose its own mission). The militarization of police is simply contradictory to the spirit of Peel’s bobbies; on the topic of Sir Robert Peel, here is Walter Bagehot on him, and a police officer who follow's in the spirit of a police as little more than civilians in uniform.

5) National Geographic’s Year in Review. Worth looking through for National Geographic’s amazing photography alone. “Game Changer: Caveman,” and “Adventure: Famous Failures” were particular favorites of mine. “Community: Jaguar Kills Caiman” was also pretty awe-inspiring to watch.